At first glance, quitting vaping may seem very similar to quitting smoking. In both cases, it is about nicotine addiction. The action is almost the same, and young people give similar reasons for starting and continuing. Such as ‘I was curious’ and ‘my friends do it too’. But the existing Quit Plan for smoking cannot be applied to vaping. There are some very important differences between smoking and vaping, as well as between young people and adults when quitting.

How does vaping differ from smoking for young people?

The most important difference between smoking and vaping is that young people who vape can do so throughout the day. Vapes are also ideally suited to this. With sometimes thousands of puffs in a device, it is easier to take a puff at any moment. Without anyone thinking about it or planning to do so. As a result, it can be more difficult for young people to gain insight into their own use. Coaches who support people quitting also notice this.

The fact that young people are not fully aware of how much they actually vape can also make quitting more difficult. That is why this Quit Plan pays more attention to gaining insight into usage: when and why does someone vape? This helps young people prepare better for difficult moments and makes it easier to stay quit.

Young people do not feel addicted

Young people need a different approach from adults when it comes to addiction. Young people who vape often do not feel addicted, and are generally much less motivated to quit than adults. There may be various reasons for this, for example because they have not yet noticed their health deteriorating. Or because vaping is a way of coping with negative feelings, such as insecurity or stress. That is why this Quit Plan pays more attention to motivation. It also gives young people more insight into how they feel at times when they strongly want to vape.

Young people want to fit in

Another reason for not wanting to quit may be that young people currently consider fitting in more important than later consequences. For young people, their peer group and their position within that group are very important. While adults can more easily avoid this for a while when they have just quit, young people often do not want to or cannot. That is why this Quit Plan also gives them tips on how to remain quit during parties, and what they can do when they are with friends who vape.

How do you use this Quit Plan?

This Quit Plan is for young people aged 14 and over who vape and want to quit or are thinking about quitting. This plan is not intended to prevent young people from starting to vape. Would you like to get started with preventing vaping? Then visit: Say no to vaping on the Helderopvoeden.nl website

This Quit Plan contains 8 clear steps to quit vaping. Someone can complete the plan entirely on their own and find out what works for them. It also provides more information about, for example, support when quitting and what happens when you quit. It also includes answers to questions such as: ‘What is true about vaping?’ and ‘Does vaping help with stress?’

With support, quitting vaping is possible with some providers from the age of 12 and is usually fully reimbursed by health insurance. But if someone does not want support, we advise the young person to complete the Quit Plan together with someone else. For example, a parent, teacher, friend or girlfriend. Because quitting with a little help or support is often more successful.

Further information

Claire de Nerée tot Babberich thanks Verslavingskunde Nederland (VKN) for sharing its expertise in addiction among young people for the development of this Quit Plan.